WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump has suspended trade negotiations with Canada, a drastic move triggered by a recent anti-tariff advertisement released by the Ontario government that utilized the voice of former President Ronald Reagan.
President Trump announced his unexpected decision on Truth Social, stating that Canada’s action was “unacceptable” because the advertisement allegedly misrepresented Reagan’s words. Trump further asserted that tariffs are crucial for US national security.
The announcement comes just as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was departing for a crucial Asian tour aimed at trade diversification. Carney had been engaged in months of talks with the Trump administration, specifically seeking sector-by-sector agreements for Canadian industries, including steel and aluminum. This latest breakdown follows an earlier suspension of talks over Canada’s proposed Digital Services Tax.
Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended the advertisement, countering that it was specifically aimed at American territories that offer support to President Trump.
Trump’s decision has effectively extinguished Canada’s immediate hope for a reduction in US tariffs. The timing intensifies the pressure on PM Carney to secure Canada’s economic interests by expanding trade ties with Asian nations, especially China, during his upcoming summits in Malaysia and South Korea.
